MMDVM Hotspot Build

After buying my first Hotspot (a ZumSpot) I became enamored with the possibilities presented by Pi-Star. I have since experimented and have build several simplex and a duplex hotspots using components picked up from the local MicroCenter and Ebay MMDVM boards from the far east.

I found a lot of info on the logical setup of these devices and very little on the physical setup. The intent of this post is to provide a macro hardware level assembly view of the process as there is already a wealth of very fine content available on the net which details the logical aspects of the setup.

Over the holidays the local Microcenter had Raspberry Pi Zero’s on special for $5. I ordered a few MMDVM Hats on Ebay and using a tablet charger and USB cable I had, and a 32GB class 10 MicroSD card from an old smartphone I was all set.

This build does require soldering, as shown in the below an antenna connector is needed on the MMDMV board and rows of header pins are needed on the Pi Zero.

MMDVM Card on the left and Raspberry Pi Zero on the right

Antenna connector installed.

MMDVM Hat with antenna connector attached

Once the header pins are soldered on the Pi, the MMDVM Hat is installed.

Installing the MMDVM on the Pi Zero

Antenna connected, MMDVM Hat installed and ready for the memory card and power to be applied.

Once the hotspot is on your home wireless network and you are able to reach the config screen. Using the guide below check the firmware and update as needed. All of the MMDVM’s I have purchased have needed a firmware update.